A WARNING has been issued after a convicted sex offender has gone on the run in Southampton.

Police have launched a hunt for 49-year-old Leonard Ayres, who has schizophrenia.

UPDATE: 'On the run' sex offender is found by police

Officers have urged the public not to approach him as they say he has no medication with him, which could "cause him to act in an unreasonable manner".

Police say Leonard has been convicted of sexual offences in the past.

He was last seen at his supervised living accommodation at 9.45pm on Sunday night, and hasn't been seen since.

He lives in Lordshill, but also has links to Poole.

Leonard is managed under the multi-agency public protection arrangements.

While he has no recent history of offending, Hampshire Constabulary say he was convicted of sex offences in 2001, and in 2006 was convicted of sexual activity with a child, and has served sentences for the offences.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Brown said: "We really need to know where Leonard is. Have you seen him or do you know where he might be?

"We don't believe he has his medication with him, which could seriously affect his mental health, so we need to know where he is as a matter of urgency".

Members of the public are urged not to approach Leonard, but to call 999 if they see him.